NASHVILLE --- Chris Rowland has been named to the HERO Sports FCS All-America Third Team as a return specialist.

The junior averaged 13.0 yards per punt return, totaling 182 yards on 14 attempts. Rowland was number one in the OVC, eighth in FCS play in punt returns and was 36th in all purpose yards, with 120.4 yards per game.

Rowland produced a pair of punt returns over 35 yards. The former Freshman All-American busted through for a 39 yarder against Bethune-Cookman and bettered his season high at Eastern Illinois with a 42 yarder. In his only kickoff return of the season, Rowland went for 37 yards at Murray State.

Rowland was named second team All-OVC as both, a wide receiver and a return specialist. The Nolensville, Tenn. native caught 57 passes for 727 yards and five touchdowns in eight games. Rowland ranked amongst the top receivers in the nation with 7.1 receptions per game (11th) and 90.9 receiving yards per game (21st).

This marks the third consecutive year in which Tennessee State has had a representative on the All-America squad. In 2016, Jessamen Dunker was selected to the first team, while Lane Clark was placed on the second team and Ebo Ogundeko landed on the third team. Clark was the lone Tiger in 2017, earning a spot on the second team.